So you’ve always wanted to visit the land down under, and with the weather beginning to warm up, it’s the perfect time to finally start planning the trip! Of course, you’ll want to check out Australia’s more iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but this country has so much more to offer. If you’ve got the time, hire yourself car and take an Australian road trip. Taking a road trip is a truly unique experience every time. You’ll be able to get up close and personal with the Aussie environment and outback and really immerse yourself in the country! Additionally, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the wildlife in their natural habitats—think kangaroos, koalas, and wombats! A road trip is the perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In this picturesque country, with truly endless beauty, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing where to go.

Here are 5 scenic drives we recommend when you are in Aussie land:

GRAND PACIFIC DRIVE, NEW SOUTH WALES

The Grand Pacific Drive is the perfect day drive if you’re looking for a short, beach weekend getaway. Although it’s a relatively short drive, there are plenty of things to do and see on this scenic drive, taking you along the national park and through coastal towns. The Sea Cliff Bridge is a stand out of the drive, as the bridge follows the curves of the coast giving uninterrupted views of the ocean. A great stop on this drive is Stanwell Tops; from here you’ll be able to park your car and watch as hang gliders run off the mountain. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a tandem hang glide with an instructor.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD, VICTORIA

Arguably Australia’s most scenic drive, the Great Ocean Road is a 243km stretch that takes you past stunning beaches, rain forests, coastal towns, the famous Twelve Apostles, and also allows you to see native wildlife. What more could you ask for?! Like the Grand Pacific drive, it’s the perfect day drive for the weekend and is short and sweet. Alternatively, if you’ve got a few more miles on you, you can take the long drive and it’ll take you to Adelaide.

THE RED CENTRE WAY, NORTHERN TERRITORY

Also known as the Mereenie Loop Road, this drive on the Red Centre Way takes you on a loop from Alice Springs to the famed Uluru and Kata Tjuta. If you’re looking to experience the real Aussie outback, this is definitely the drive for you. During the day you’ll see endless plains of the red Australian outback placed on a backdrop of vast mountains and blue skies. At night, you’ll see more stars than some people will ever see in a lifetime!

THE GREAT TROPICAL DRIVE, QUEENSLAND

If you have the luxury of having a few extra days, the Great Tropical Drive is for you. The drive will take you from the scenic city of Cairns through to the quiet seaside towns of Port Douglas and Townsville. But more importantly, you’ll be seeing two world heritage sites: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Be sure to stop by to take in the sites or even explore some of the activities like snorkeling and scuba diving to catch glimpses of the infinite fish and coral.

KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK

For those of you who like the land more than the ocean, the drive to and in Karijini National Park is for you. You’ll need to take the three-day 1,400km drive from Perth to Karijini with the most popular route through New Norcia, Wongan Hills, Dalwallinu, and Meekatharra. It’s a long drive, but when you get to Karijini it will be breathtaking—the rugged, natural scenery filled with hidden rock pools, falls, and fantastic gorges. This trip is the perfect combination for those that love a long drive, but also hiking and adventuring. There are roads in the national park, but you’ll want to get out on the trails to get up close and personal with the environment and the sights.

**Olivia Bourke, a travel blogger at Great Lost, describes herself as an adventure seeker who simply wants to explore this incredible world we call our home. Originally from the United States, she is currently residing in Australia and is loving every minute exploring the ever so scenic country, one city at a time!

India is a land of breathtaking adventures and mesmerizing destinations. There is no shortage of options for adventure trips in India. If you want to get lost in the world of fearlessness and adrenaline rush, then start planning an adventure trip to North India. North India has surreal mountains, beautiful rivers, and amazing National parks. Here are a few places that promise fun-filled and thrilling activities:

1. Manali

Manali is an excellent place for romantic holidays and adventure getaways. A number of trekking trails are available here in Manali. Mount biking is also quite popular among youngsters. The landscape with tiny fields and snowcapped peaks is absolutely breathtaking. You can trek up to Malana or go paragliding in Solang Valley. Add Manali to your bucket list to enjoy the spellbinding views of Himalaya.

2. Rishikesh

Apart from temples, Rishikesh also has a number of thrilling adventure sports to attract adventure junkies. It is the place where you can enjoy bungee jumping, trekking, river rafting, mountain climbing, and rock climbing. It is also called the Yoga Capital of India. You can take a walk along the Ghats of the river Ganges or even enjoy a boat ride on the river. Rishikesh is a place of serious meditation and extraordinary adventures. Live the moment and enjoy the adrenaline rush while you are in Rishikesh.

3. Ladakh

Ladakh offers one of the best trekking adventures like Sham valley trek and Stok Kangri trek. Apart from treks, motor biking is also popular in Ladakh. Motor biking on the roads of Ladakh gives you an exciting feeling that is hard to imagine. The landscape of Ladakh is covered with ancient monasteries. There are many other adventure activities in Ladakh like mountaineering, jeep safari, yak safari, and camel safari. Visit Ladakh if you want to have an adventure trip in the mountains of varied colors in the backdrop of an intense blue sky.

4. Himachal Pradesh

Apart from its natural beauty, Himachal has a lot of exciting adventures to offer. You can get an exhilarating opportunity to soar high in the sky of Bir-Billing. Proper training is provided by the instructors for Bir-Billing. Ice-skating and paragliding are also big adventure sports in Himachal. Himachal is also known as the anglers’ paradise. Shimla is a nice place for skiing. Other attractions include fishing, water sports, mountain cycling, mountaineering, rock climbing, and trekking.

5. Kashmir

Mughals called Kashmir the terrestrial paradise of the earth. The beauty of Kashmir cannot be described in words. It surpasses anyone’s imagination and expectations. Kashmir has breath-taking adventures also such as trekking, angling, mountaineering and skiing. There are several mountain regions in Kashmir where you can go for mountaineering. People who like the adrenaline rush of heights, make sure to visit Kashmir at least once.

6. Auli

Situated in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Auli offers the best skiing experiences. Auli has shining slopes, amazing views and lovely scenarios. It also provides ski equipment and a 7 to 14 days course in skiing. Instructors will make sure to make your first skiing experience memorable. Auli is also a good point to start trekking expeditions and mountain biking.

7. Jaipur

Hot air balloon rides are new trend among adventurists. A trip in a hot-air balloon over sandy terrain is exhilarating. Jaipur is also popular for paragliding. Annual paragliding events are held in Jaipur. So get on the hot-air balloon and enjoy the birds’ views of the royal palaces and forts. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan where camel is an important mode of transportation. You can even enjoy camel safari in Jaipur.

8. Zanskar

Chadar trek in Zanskar valley is said to be the best trek in India. Every year during January the Zanskar River freezes, and the trail that’s formed is called the Chadar trek. Nothing beats the adrenaline rush of walking on a frozen river. You can also go motor biking from Kargil to Suru Valley. Here days are scorching hot while nights are extremely cold. What makes Zanskar unique is its unusual camp sites, sledges, and scenery.

9. Gulmarg

Gulmarg has the most daring adventure activity to offer—Heli Skiing. Jumping from a helicopter to jump on the snow-covered slopes while cold wind is slapping you hard, sends chill down your spine. Gulmarg is also a destination for golfers in summer. Snowboarding is also getting popular these days. If you don’t want to try skiing, trekking and hiking are also great options.

10. Spiti

Spiti offers an untouched terrain covered with small villages here and there to attract adventure lovers. The first ever frozen waterfall climb has been attempted. Spiti attracts tourists because of the snow-capped mountains, oldest monasteries, and the stunning landscapes it offers. It also offers magnificent mountain views, beautiful riverside, and a calm aura. Choose Spiti as the destination for your next peaceful adventure trip.

** Rohit is a travel blogger at TransIndiaTravels.com. His love for adventure and different cuisines propel him to discover the most enchanting of destinations.

If you’re having a tough time losing those extra pounds, your metabolism could be one of the reasons behind it. Your metabolism includes all the processes that are involved in turning food into energy. However, while your metabolism impacts your body’s energy needs, your weight is ultimately determined by a combination of several factors. Your level of physical activity and the kind of food you intake also have an integral part to play in your overall health.

Speaking of food first, there is an interesting way to consume it, which is backed by [Read more…]